Most applications are processed within 10 business days. Any submissions less than 3 business days before the activity are not accepted.
Portland is a growing, vibrant city that supports urban growth through construction projects and lively community celebrations. Sometimes events and building construction are expected to produce sound that is louder than our Noise Code allows. When this happens, the Noise Program may issue a noise variance to allow a project or event to exceed the City's Maximum Permissible Sound Levels.
What is a noise variance?
A noise variance is an authorization or exception, granted exclusively by the Noise Control Officer or the Noise Review Board, that allows an individual, business, or organization to exceed the Maximum Permissible Sound Levels for a specific period or under certain conditions.
Do you need a noise variance?
You may need a noise variance if your activity will create noise that goes beyond what is normally allowed by the City’s Noise Code. City's Maximum Permissible Sound Levels.
This includes activities like construction outside standard hours, amplified sound at events, live music, DJ or bands performances, or any loud activity that could disturb nearby homes or businesses.
If you're unsure whether your project or event requires a variance, it's best to review the Noise Code or contact the Noise Program for guidance before starting your activity.
Applying for a noise variance
To apply for a noise variance, you'll need to follow a few required steps before submitting your application by email. The process includes preparing activity details, notifying affected neighbors, and paying a fee. Fee payment does not guarantee approval.
All applications will be reviewed considering the following measures:
- The reason a variance is being requested
- Length of time the noise will be occurring with specific times/dates
- The number of people the noise will impact
- Whether the public's health, safety, or welfare is harmed
- Whether the noise impact outweighs the benefit to the public
Follow the steps below to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed without delay.
Steps for applying for a noise variance
1. Notify neighbors potentially impacted by the noise variance
The basic guideline is a radius of 500 feet or a two block radius of the event location. You can use your own flyer, letter or our templates to create your notice. Please distribute your letter or flyer, door to door or using door hangers, or via USPS mail, or emailing the neighborhood association.
At a minimum, your notification must specify the activity dates and times, the cause of the noise, and the contact information for who will handle concerns during the event or activity. If your variance will be reviewed by the Noise Review Board you will be notified that an additional neighborhood notification with the date of the hearing will be required. The Noise Office will contact you if your variance will be heard by the Noise Review Board.
2. Complete the noise variance application form
Please specify the exact dates and times of each event/activity, and the cause of the noise. Be specific about the source of the noise (i.e., amplified music, public announcements, construction) and provide details about the surrounding environmental elements (adjacent streets, or locations).
Do not forget to sign your application.
3. Prepare your application package
As part of the application, we require a filled-out Noise Variance Application form, a map or site plan of the activity location that identifies the stage or jobsite, streets, and nearby residences, a copy of the notification letter or flyer you distributed, a list of addresses/emails where the notification was distributed, or a map indicating the properties notified.
Application form and supporting attachments should, if possible, be sent in one email.
4. Return completed application package to the Noise Program
Please submit your completed application package via email to variances@portlandoregon.govfor the fastest processing.
Mail submissions are accepted but may delay processing due to postal delivery times. If you choose to mail your application, please send it to: Noise Program. 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 5000. Portland, OR 97201.
If you have limited internet access, need language translation, or require special technical assistance, you may submit your application in person by appointment only.
5. The Noise Program will review your application for completeness
Typically, it takes about 10 business days for us to determine if additional information is needed. We will email you with any extra requirements, a variance number, a processing number (IVR #), and the fee due for your application.
Please note, an assigned application number is not the an approval. Fees must be paid prior to the technical review of your variance.
6.Pay the variance fees
Using the instructions sent by email, please pay your variance fees. The application won't be considered complete until fees and all supporting documents are provided.
List of adopted noise variance fees are in the documents below.
Adopted fee schedule effective July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Adopted fee schedule effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 (no longer in effect)
Learn more about the approved increases in service fees: Portland Permitting & Development fees will change, effective July 1, 2025 | Portland.gov
7. Technical review of your variance
The Noise Officer or Noise Review Board will review your application and provide you with an Electronic Signed Copy of your variance. The review time can range from 45 business days before the activities, to the same activity week.
Each application for a noise variance is unique, and some may take longer than others to process.
Review process for activities with a potentially significant impact
Applications for activities and construction projects that may impact many Portlanders over more than a brief time period are reviewed by the Noise Review Board (a volunteer group with monthly meetings). Applications before the Noise Review Board are decided within forty-five (45) business days of receiving the completed application.
It may be possible to shorten the two types of review processes if a faster review is needed. There is an additional fee for this, and the Noise Control Officer/Noise Review Board Chair must have enough time to look at the request to decide that the request is in the City’s interest.
Note: Applications are processed in the order they are received, but final decisions are prioritized based on the date of activities of ALL the variances received by the Noise Office. The Noise Officer can typically process more basic requests and provide a decision within two business weeks, prior to the activity. However, if your application requires a Noise Review Board Hearing, it may take as long as forty-five (45) business days.
Contact us
You can schedule appointments to talk with us about:
- Applying for a noise variance
- Preparing a noise variance application for review by the Noise Review Board
- Discussing a submitted application for a noise variance (for the applicant only)
Schedule an appointment with the Noise Program
You may also email us any variance-related questions or variance concerns at variances@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-865-6650 (Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Appeals
To appeal a noise variance decision to the City Council, the applicant or legal representative, or any person who has submitted oral or written testimony, must take these steps:
- Notice of the intent to appeal must be submitted in writing to the Council Clerk’s Office (councilclerk@portlandoregon.gov) within ten (10) business days of the effective date of the decision.
- The notice must identify the decision that is being appealed.
- It must include the appellant’s name, address, signature, phone number, relationship to the permit decision action, and clear reason(s) for the appeal.
- When the Council Clerk’s Office receives the appeal, it will schedule an appeal date on the calendar of the City Council.